Monday, December 13, 2010

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

As I reflect on the cherished ornaments and keepsakes that have been given to me

and made . .

as I pull out these treasures that remain hidden in a box for much of the year,

I take the time to remember.

These gifts stir in my heart memories of days past and point to people that are special to me. My husband who knows me. My grandmother, now waiting on the other side. My friends in other parts of the world. My mom who knits love and her grandmother before her who did the same. My children and their preschool days.

While the gifts are beautiful to me, it is the people that are the true treasures.

And when I reflect on the gifts, I'm invariably led back to the Giver who became Gift, and I ponder the Person who is Christmas.

I treasure His words and ponder them in my heart.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. James 1:17

Thanks be go God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Pondering and giving thanks for these treasures, these God-whispers, #﻿511 - 529:

memories hanging on the tree

my grandma and grandpas, whom I still miss and will until we meet again

Loved your post and sweet pictures of your angel and wise men. You are truly blessed. Thanks for spending a few minutes stopping by my place. I always enjoy seeing what blessings you have to share. Blessings to you and your family this Christmas season!

I like how God gives mothers insight to keep in our hearts, to sustain us, help us understand, to encourage us. The older I grow, the more Mary's story has to tell it seems.

My ornaments are like that, too. I even have a pair of ice skates that someone knitted as a wedding gift:) Just like yours, but white. They make me feel like those I love are there with me - like they know the same secrets and the same stories - and then the lights kind of wink at me.

Birthday menus, Christmas menus, decorations, a tea cup - so many things tell stories of the past - reminders for when I get lonely. Not materialisticly - just a story telling experience.